LocalReach Somerton & Langport June 2024

Join our army of LocalReach Community Editors...

If you are community minded like us then we would love you to send us your local news, events and information. We give 100 words free of charge and want to help at least 50-75 local; clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches each and every month.

Simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the form on the Community Notices page. We want to especially help the all the clubs, groups, associations, schools, churches that have very little income for advertising. Please spread the word!

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Advertising in LocalReach is a fantastic way to reach all your existing, and potentially new customers.

LocalReach is delivered by Royal Mail to all homes & businesses in your postcode area every month. It is packed with community notices, interesting articles and local businesses. A massive 98% of our advertisers rebook every month so we must be doing something right!

So, if you are looking for more business then contact us now. To advertise just go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and fill in the contact form or email hello@localreach.co.uk

Community Notices are free of charge

Please visit www.localreach.co.uk and click on Community Notices page

Deadline is 27th May for the July issues

For Business Advertising call 01458 555503 or visit our website www.localreach.co.uk

Deadline is 27th May for the July issues

Disclaimer. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we make no guarantee that the content will always be current, accurate or complete. We do not approve any of the services or products provided by advertisers in this magazine. Anyone using the products, services or advice from advertisers will need to carry out normal checks to make sure businesses are trustworthy and reliable. LocalReach Ltd 2024.

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LocalReach is delivered each month by ROYAL MAIL to ALL of the postcode areas, including all towns and villages within the postcode areas, to every resident and business, totalling 10,088 each month.

We take non deliveries very seriously and in the event of a non delivery being reported to us we follow the Royal Mail’s complaint procedure.

with the full address of the non

If you are not getting your monthly copy by the end of the first week of any month please send us an email to hello@localreach.co.uk with the full address of the non delivery and we will ask Royal Mail to investigate and report back.

Garden View

This Month – The ‘why’ of weeds

Some gardeners say that a weed is just a plant in the wrong place. But is any unwanted plant it really a weed? Is an apple tree seedling a weed? Are the random aquilegia or California poppies softening my stone paths weeds?

Plants have one goal: to live long enough to reproduce. So sometimes these plants show up in areas they’re not welcome. These plants are not technically weeds, though we might decide to treat them as such.

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

Then there are the plants that we know as conventional weeds, such as dandelions. Some are annuals, which live their whole life cycle in one year, and persist through a legacy of hundreds of thousands of seeds, germinating anywhere and everywhere.

Dandelions are actually perennials. They are persistent plants that love open lawn, growing into a big leafy mass with their characteristic bright yellow flowers. They also spread tens of thousands of seeds around to ensure that there are plenty more to come next year. The thing about a plant like dandelions - and this is true for many of our labelled perennial weeds, such as nettles - is that bees and other insects love them, so they are wonderful for biodiversity.

Why DO plants show up where they’re not supposed to be?

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Nature abhors a vacuum’? It’s the concept that emptiness or nothingness runs counter to the laws of nature. Space must be filled with something, and weeds have embraced this concept wholeheartedly.

It explains why weeds pop up in places such as an open, mulched area or a pristine expanse of artfully placed stone patio. You may have determined there should be nothing there, but Mother Nature has other ideas and starts inserting plants to fill the void.

As gardeners, we like the idea of carefully selected plants placed in well-chosen spots in our landscape. That’s ‘design’ – the conscious application of thought and the decision to grow or not grow plants in this particular place or that.

The sparsely planted landscaped garden and the heavily planted plot with barely any room between plants are garden styles at opposite ends of the spectrum. The first readily invites weeds to fill the empty spaces, but they are easy to see and remove. The second (which I favour), makes it difficult for weeds to germinate. But when they sprout – and they will - it takes a keen eye and some effort to remove them. I’m not diligent with this because the odd weed is less noticeable among all the other plants, and they are good for insect life.

Neither garden is ‘correct’. The more natural landscape will ultimately be more sustainable with less weeding effort required, though when first planted, because it takes time for all those plants to grow and fill in, you’ll have to deal with –you guessed it – weeds.

By Rachael Leverton

The fence that repairs itself

If you scratch or cut Colourfence, the ingenious zinc element in the Zincalume steel reacts with moisture to form a protective barrier to prevent any corrosion with no action needed from you.

STRONG, SECURE & BUILT TO LAST!

Colourfence are transforming gardens across Somerset!

It may do “exactly what it says on the tin” but let’s face it, treating a timber fence can never be called fun! In fact, owning a timber fence isn’t much fun either with costly, time consuming maintenance and repairs almost every year.

Finally, the alternative to timber fencing…our fence goes up and stays up, resisting wind gusts of up to 130mph!

Colourfence fencing solutions are made from innovative Colorbond steel, virtually maintenance free with an occasional wash down with water to keep it looking as good as new - so you never need to pick up that paintbrush again!, Guaranteed not to rot, warp, chip or peel for 25 years.

Available in a variety of heights and colours with or without trellis, our skilled installation team will make short work of transforming your garden.

The best news is the pricing is just as attractive, starting costs are in line with comparable traditional systems but offer the ongoing peace of mind that your investment will continue to save time and money year after year.

For those of us who want a low maintenance garden, Colourfence promises a lifetime of hassle-free enjoyment.

Watermark Bathrooms and Adaptions, the bathroom fitting experts who have been transforming homes for over a decade

What sets Watermark Bathrooms apart is our unparalleled ability to adapt and customise bathrooms to meet the specific needs of individuals facing challenges in bathing. Our team of highly skilled professionals not only possesses exceptional craftsmanship but also a deep understanding of the diverse needs of their clients. We are also dedicated to making bathrooms accessible and comfortable for individuals with difficulties in bathing, ensuring a safe and relaxing bathing experience.

One of the remarkable aspects of Watermark Bathrooms and is our adaptability, no matter the size or layout of the bathroom, we have a unique talent for maximising space and designing functional layouts. Our attention to detail is truly commendable, ensuring that every inch of the bathroom is utilized efficiently. From installing grab bars and non-slip flooring to designing easy-access showers and walk-in baths, we tailor each project to perfection, providing a safe and stylish bathing solution for everyone.

Furthermore, the professionalism and reliability of Watermark Bathrooms is unparalleled. Our team of experts not only complete projects on time but also communicate effectively throughout the process, ensuring that customers are informed and involved at every step. The quality of our workmanship is evident in the final result – a beautifully designed, accessible bathroom that exceeds expectations.

In a world where customer service often falls short, Watermark Bathrooms and Adaptions stands as a shining example of excellence. Our ability to transform ordinary bathrooms into safe havens of comfort is truly remarkable. If you are looking for a bathroom fitting company that genuinely cares about your needs and delivers outstanding results, look no further than us, you can expect nothing but the best – a bathroom tailored to your needs, designed with expertise, and crafted with care.

local company offering competitively priced and professional solutions to all our customers.

Wetroom and walk-in shower specialists

Fully Qualified and Insured

10 choices of wall panel

Wide range of floor coverings

We work on projects of every size, from individual residential properties to substantial edevelopment schemes across the commercial and public sectors.

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ROOFING SERVICES GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY

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ROOFING SERVICES WE OFFER

EMERGENCIES • ROOFING SERVICES • FASCIAS • GUT TERING

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✔ Re-roofing ✔ Flat roofing

Welcome to The Roofing Contractors, we're an experienced roofing and property services contractor We deliver a full range of cutting-edge roofing solutions and property maintenance services.

roofing and property services contractor We deliver a full range of cutting-edge roofing solutions and property maintenance services.

Welcome to The Roofing Contractors, we're an experienced roofing and property services contractor We deliver a full range of cutting-edge roofing solutions and property maintenance services.

✔ New roofing ✔ Felt roofing

✔ Roof repairs ✔ Rubber roofing (EPDM)

We work on projects of every size, from individual residential properties to substantial redevelopment schemes across the commercial and public sectors. Our business is built on satisfying our customers and producing great results.

We work on projects of every size, from individual residential properties to substantial redevelopment schemes across the commercial and public sectors.

✔ Roof maintenance ✔ Fibreglass roofing (GRP)

We work on projects of every size, from individual residential properties to substantial redevelopment schemes across the commercial and public sectors. Our business is built on satisfying our customers

Our business is built on satisfying our customers and producing great results.

We

We give a 5-year guarantee on all completed work, with all our materials under a 10-year manufacturer guarantee.

✔ Tiled roofing ✔

We give a 5-year guarantee on all completed work, with all our materials under a 10-year manufacturer guarantee.

ROOFING SERVICES WE OFFER

✔ Slate roofing ✔ Guttering

ROOFING SERVICES WE OFFER ✔ Re-roofing

✔ Re-roofing ✔ Flat roofing

✔ New roofing ✔ Felt roofing

Flat roofing ✔ New roofing

Felt roofing ✔ Roof repairs

✔ Roof repairs ✔ Rubber roofing (EPDM)

✔ Roof maintenance ✔ Fibreglass roofing (GRP)

Rubber roofing (EPDM) ✔ Roof maintenance

Fibreglass roofing (GRP)

✔ Tiled roofing ✔

Tiled roofing

✔ Slate roofing

Slate roofing

Guttering

Somerton Warming Up For Festival

Somerton is warming up for its Music and Arts Festival in July. Running from July 4th to the 14th, the Festival opens with Fleetwood Bac playing in St Michael’s Church and ends with Somerton’s own two-day music festival, Somerstock, with lots in between. As pre-cursor, the regular Arts Exhibition opened on 25th May and runs until 1st June, in the Parish Room.

Please go to www.somertonartsfestival.co.uk for details of events and tickets. For full information about the Somerstock music festival, including band line-up, please go to www.somerstock. co.uk or watch out for announcements on social media.

The Red Dress. A 14-year, award winning global, collaborative embroidery project

The Red Dress project, created by artist Kirstie Macleod, is an inspiring platform for women around the world to share their stories through embroidery. From

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

2009 to 2023, the Red Dress travelled the globe, being continuously embroidered on by women and men from 51 countries. Each artist was encouraged to express their unique identity and cultural experience through their embroidery.

The Red Dress will be on exhibition at ACEarts, Somerton 1st - 29th June, inviting viewers to see and connect with the stories woven into its fabric. Acearts.co.uk

Blues night @ The Charltons

Saturday 1st June - BillyBoy Miskimmin & Mercy Lounge, Charltons Community Centre, Charlton Adam. TA11 7NB.

Nine below Zero harmonica player Billy was headhunted by NBZ, his Little Walter influences alerting the world to a major talent. Later The Yardbirds recruited Billy, at BB Kings Blues Club in Memphis. With them Billy played alongside legends like BB himself, The Doors, and more.

Mercy Lounge members have toured or guested with Dr John, Bill Wyman, Ben Waters, Dana Gillespie,the Rolling Stones and others!

£12 Adv, £14 Door from 07770 783713 or email: dave.saunders50@yahoo.com

Royal Air Forces Association MidSomerset Branch - 3rd June Meeting

RAFA-MSB meets on Monday 3rd June at 11:00am in Wells Golf Club, Blackheath Lane, Wells, BA5 3DS. Programme - Robbert Turner “The Westonzoyland Air Museum” + 80th Anniversary of D Day + Pub Lunch and drinks from the Golf Club Menu and bar.

The Branch covers BS25, BS26, BS27, BS28, BA4, BA5, BA16, TA10 & TA11 postal areas. RAFA Members, Current and Ex-RAF Reserves Personnel, Current and Ex-Commonwealth Air Forces Personnel, Members of RAF Family, Members of public that support aims and purpose of RAFA welcome.

Contact Secretary rafa.midsomerset@gmail.com or 01458 224057.

Calling all Widows - this is the Group especially for you.

Somerton Merry Widows meet every month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 10:30am in The Barn at The White Hart in Somerton.

On 4th June we have a speaker from Somerset Age UK talking to us about Power of Attorney.

On 18th June we meet for coffee and discuss ideas for outings, lunches, book swap and future speakers.

All Widows will receive a warm welcome.

For more information call Dru 07799262047 or email perrydruscilla@gmail.com

Party in the Park

Come along and join the fun on Saturday 8th June from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at the Charltons Memorial Playing Field, Top Road, Charltons Adam TA11 7BE. We are holding a family fun day to celebrate the completion of our play and leisure activities on the field by our project team - Project Charltons. There will be lots of fun free activities

including basketball and football skills sessions, crafts including silver ring making, badge making and beaded bracelets, gladiator jousting and a bouncy castle, burgers, teas and ice creams.

We look forward to seeing you.

Blues concert at Stoke!

Sun 9th JuneHarry Skinner + Dave SaundersRoyal Oak, The Square, Stoke St Gregory. TA3 6EH.

This award winning blues duo have played from Auckland to Atlanta, Dublin to Dumfries and now Stoke St Gregory! An Afternoon session at this great community owned traditional village pub, Their first time playing at this venue in the Music room upstairs.

A great afternoon of Acoustic blues.

Playing 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

Tickets £10 adv - £12 on door from Paul 01823 490565

Somerton Group of Artists monthly meeting, with Andrea Clark

Wednesday 12th June at 7:30pm in the Parish Rooms, Market Sq, Somerton.

“Andrea will give a talk and demonstration on Charcoal Drawing. There will be audience participation so bring along your sketch pads and get inspired by the versatility of charcoal as a drawing tool”.

Free to members, visitors welcome - £5 on the door. Refreshments available.

Fleece Fair - Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall - Saturday 15th June

Somerset Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers are holding their annual Fleece Fair on 15th June, 9:30am to 1:30pm at Hatch Beauchamp Village Hall TA3 6SG. Available fleeces, Alpaca, Exmerino, Gotland mix, Jacobs, Portland, Romney, Ryeland, Shetland, Soay, Zwartbles and more, also dyed fibre tops. Refreshments available. See website www.somersetguildwsd.org.uk

Stepping Stones Bereavement Inaugural meeting 19th June

Stepping Stones Bereavement Group offers a friendly chat over tea or coffee with other people who understand because they have been bereaved.

The meeting is free and open to all. We meet in The Barn, St. Cleers, Polham Lane every third Wednesday of the month from 10:30am to 12 noon.

Looking forward to meeting you on June 19th.

Mid Summer Tea Party

Saturday 22nd June, 2:00pm - 4:00pm at Long Load Village Hall.

Come and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends and family at the Village Tea Party. No Set Charge but Donations for Refreshments welcome.

Sandwiches, Home Made Cake, Tea, Coffee or soft drinks. There will be a raffle. All profits for the afternoon will go to the Village Hall Restoration Fund.

We hope to see you there.

IN NEED

A Good Read

Fatal Blow by Brian Price (Hobeck Books)

I’m a huge fan of this series and this is Book 4. It certainly opens with a bang, literally, as a bomb explodes at the police station. Safe to say the action doesn’t stop and it doesn’t relent, at all. It feels like bam, bam, bam, so much happening.

No-one is safe; so many different people in play. An Albanian OCG who are slightly peeved that their activities were held up by the police in Mexton are slowly working their way back in with hacking, prostitution, extortion, money-laundering, murder, of course! The leader also wants revenge. The police have never felt less safe when they start getting targeted. I won’t say what the results are but Brian hasn’t shown any mercy whatsoever.

This is such a breathtaking read. One I couldn’t put down. Punchy sentences and short chapters. Not a word wasted. The action is intense and engrossing. You have to keep reading. You have to know the outcomes of everything that’s happened as it goes along.

I think this is my favourite of the series yet. It felt like Brian has found another level to his writing which was already brilliant. It does work as a standalone but I’d recommend reading the previous ones, mainly because they are excellent but also because it will help you better understand motivations. Outstanding!

By Donna Morfett

The Kitchen Science Cookbook

by Dr. Michelle Dickinson

This is a beautifully crafted book with a unique twist: each recipe is a science experiment that you can do at home, using the everyday ingredients you’ll find in your kitchen.

You don’t need to be a science expert because the easy-to-follow recipes make science experiments fun for everyone. Nanotechnologist Michelle Dickinson is on a mission to show us that we can all be scientists, no matter how young or old.

The book has an easy-to-follow format, and every experiment uses ingredients found in most kitchens. Kids will love following each recipe and learning about the science. When I set aside an afternoon to do a few experiments with my own kids I learned a lot too.

The photos show normal families doing each of the experiments, which contributes to the approachable feel of the book. In spite of it being so accessible, Dickinson, who is a serious scientist, covers the scientific method - coming up with a prediction, testing it etc; safety precautions, and general science tips which is great for non-scientist parents like me.

If you want to get your kids excited about science, this is a fabulous book.

By Tash Donovan

LocalReach partners with Digi Soci to deliver digital services to the community

In the world of business, each company is unique, and so are their marketing needs. Choosing the right marketing channel can be a daunting task, but that’s where Digi Soci comes in.

We understand that marketing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is a broad spectrum that includes activities like; website design, email marketing, search engine optimisation, pay-perclick advertising and more. Each channel has its strengths and can be tailored to meet your business’s specific needs.

That is why we, the team behind LocalReach Community Magazines, decided to launch Digi Soci. Bringing decades of experience in sales, marketing, design and print advertising to the digital world. Digi Soci offers a wide range of services, from web design to social media marketing, Google ads management and SEO management.

But what sets us apart? We are local. We are all born, raised, and working in Somerset. We understand the importance of local marketing. LocalReach may be a traditional printed magazine, but we use modern technology to help local businesses reach their audience.

We also believe in simplicity. We will not bombard you with jargon or unnecessary details. Instead, we will explain in clear, understandable terms how we can help your business grow.

We make every penny count of your marketing budget by focusing on delivering cost-effective solutions that provide real value. We believe that with the right strategy, every business can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.

We are not just a digital marketing agency; we are a part of the local business community of Somerset. We aim to build long-lasting relationships with our clients.

So, if you are unsure about which marketing channel is right for your business, why not book a consultation with us? We are here to help. Do not delay, book a discovery call today at www.digisoci.co.uk/contact-us/

Joe’s Doors can simply transform your kitchen by replacing the doors, panels and trims.

With a huge range of kitchen styles to choose from, this cost effective, fuss free service, can be completed in under two days and best of all you don’t even need to empty the cupboards!

Call now to take advantage of a free survey, free quote and free design service....with no pressure selling.

Transform your worktops with Quartzize stone overlays

Why replace your worktops when this unique quartz overlay simply fits over your existing surface. Here are some of the amazing benefits:

•Timeless - Looks clean and modern.

•Hygienic - A perfectly smooth surface.

•Easy care - Wipe with a neutral cleaner.

•Durable - Tough and scratch resistant.

•Easily Installed - Fitted in less than a day.

Crossword Across

Word Search

1 Small round stone (6)

4 Pristine (6)

8 Large black bird (5)

9 Zeal (7)

10 Type of large military ship (7)

11 Rectify, revise (5)

12 Scarlet food dye (9)

17 Yellow/brown (5)

19 Gleaned (7)

21 Sparkle, shine (7)

22 Barbecue (5)

23 Cantankerous (6)

24 Burns supper dish (6) Down

1 Robbery at sea (6)

2 Temporary, makeshift camp (7)

3 Estate, territory (5)

5 Recite, recount (7)

6 Tally, total (5)

7 Make fun of, insult (6)

9 Outlawed, prohibited (9)

13 The fastest big cat (7)

14 Deficient, incomplete (7)

15 Purchased (6)

16 Grown-ups (6)

18 Lift (5)

Mindbenders

20 Belief, principle (5) Solutions: Turn to page 19

See through the summer of sport

Summer 2024 is set to be a fine one for Sport. From 14th June to 14th July we have the UEFA European Football Championship, kicking off in Munich and finishing in Berlin, how many offsides and dodgy ref decisions will there be?

Wimbledon from 1st July to 14th July with it’s thrilling volley’s and explosive personalities and of course Strawberries…

Then from 26th July to 11th August the Olympics in Paris followed by the Paralympics 28th August to 8th September, to name just a few.

How then are we going to watch these? Some will be fortunate enough to have bought tickets, to be right there in the midst of all the action, others will be able to access outdoor screenings perhaps taking a picnic along with friends and family, BBQ events, communities coming together to cheer for their favourites. All of this accompanied by some glorious summer sunshine.

So in order to be able to see whether the ball was offside, or ‘in’, to be able to judge the photofinish make sure you have your pair of trusty Maui Jim sunglasses to hand.

Their unique patented PolarizedPlus2® lens technology eliminates 99.9% of glare and 100% of UV radiation – the main culprit in the formation of cataracts and skin cancer. The use of 3 rare Earth elements increases and balances the saturation of colours we need to see and filters out the colours we cannot see thus giving high clarity of vision. Combined fashion forward frame designs, Maui Jim really are a first rate pair of sunspecs with which to watch first rate sport.

The man who re-built Wessex Come and hear from Dr Francis Burroughes about the unacknowledged and under rated Victorian architect, Benjamin Ferry, at the June meeting of Somerton History Society to be held on 27th June in the Parish Rooms, Somerton at 7:30pm. Members come for free but guests are very welcome at £4 each.

Somerton Concert Band! Summer Concert

Saturday 6th July 7:30pm at Long Sutton Village Hall. £7, under 16s free, to include refreshments. Tickets on the door. We are a lively and friendly band who play a wide range of music to suit all tastes.

Pilates & Dance Classes For The Over 60s

Weekly Pilates and Dance classes aimed predominantly at the Over 60s but open to anyone looking for a gentle, low impact way

LOCALREACH COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you a local, club, group, association, charity, school or church?

Would you like to publicise your, news, events and information to your community free of charge?

Then simply go to our web site www.localreach.co.uk and click on the Community Notices page, then fill in the form before 1st of each month. You can also upload a photo or logo. We will then publish in our LocalReach Community Magazines delivered by Royal Mail each month.

Your Community Notice will also appear on our Facebook pages.

Join our growing army of LocalReach Community Editors.

to improve their mobility, flexibility, strength, coordination and general well-being. Welcoming, relaxed classes for all ages. Pilates, Barton St David: Mondays 1:45pm, Wednesday 7:30pm, Fridays 9:20am & 10:30am. Seated Pilates, Barton St David: Fridays 11:45am. Silvercise Dance, Keinton Mandeville: Thursday 1:30pm.

More classes in Street and Binegar.

Email Lena for more details: lenadeedance@gmail.com, www.lenadeedance.com

Forget-Me-Not Memory Cafe - Curry Rivel - Everybody Welcome

The Forget-Me-Not Memory Cafe is open every Tuesday at Curry Rivel Village Hall from 2:30pm until 4:30pm and welcomes everyone especially those with memory challenges.

Spend the afternoon chatting with friends over tea and cake after gently exercising bodies and minds. Recent afternoons have included visits from the local school when the children presented their garden and environment project and on another occasion sang for us. We have also been entertained by the Ilminster Ukulele Club. For more information: myforgetmenotcafe.co.uk Chris on 01458 396123 or Adrienne on 252710

Mah-Jong: A beautiful game filling you with joy and curiosity

The Shipham Inn (Somerset - BS25 1TW) would like to welcome new people to join their regular Mah-Jong Group. Whether you’re a novice, experienced Mah-Jong player or someone who would like to learn to play a warm welcome awaits. My hope is that we can make these enjoyable, social evenings playing a game that originated in the Far East.

1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month: 7:30pm start. Free

Contact: mark.trenchard53@gmail.com or phone / text 07815681580

Wearing today’s hearing aids to keep you young!

By Simon Swindells, Director and Clinical Lead Audiologist at South West Hearing Care

It is estimated that there are approximately 6.7 million people in the UK who could benefit from wearing hearing aids, but only about 2 million people do. There are various reasons why this gap exists, including a stigma around hearing aids making you old or showing a weakness and a general lack of awareness about the amazing benefits and advancements in hearing technology.

As an Audiologist with many years helping people to improve their hearing, I firmly believe that wearing hearing aids is not a sign of old-age, weakness, or decline. In fact, wearing hearing aids keeps you young, keeps you involved, keeps you interested and interesting to others. They are a choice to have a richer life, empowering you to live life to the fullest.

Hearing aids are a powerful tool that can help you to: Reconnect with the world: Untreated hearing loss can allow social isolation to creep in and a feeling of being disconnected from your surroundings. Hearing aids allow you to re-engage in conversations, participate in activities you enjoy, and rekindle connections with loved ones.

Boost brainpower: Studies suggest a link between unaddressed hearing loss and cognitive decline.

Hearing aids can help stimulate your brain by allowing you to clearly hear and process sound information. This can potentially improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function, contributing to a sharper and more engaged mind.

Embrace an active lifestyle: Hearing clearly allows you to participate fully in activities you enjoy, whether it’s dancing to your favourite music, attending fitness classes, or exploring the outdoors. This physical and social engagement keeps you active, improves your mood and contributes to a sense of well-being.

Have a positive outlook: Addressing your hearing needs can significantly improve your overall wellbeing. By regaining control over your ability to hear and engage with the world, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and feel empowered to live life to the fullest.

If you’d like to speak myself or the team for further advice or to book a free hearing assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Street: 01458 555533 | 7 The Bayliss Centre Westbury: 01373 823076 | 2 High Street www.swhearingcare.co.uk

Can pelvic floor exercises help treat incontinence?

You might already be aware of pelvic floor exercises, also known as kegel exercises. Women are frequently recommended them after giving birth, and men after prostate surgery. But did you know pelvic floor exercise can really help with incontinence?

This is because these exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder. When these muscles are stronger, you’re less likely to have leaks. If these muscles are weak, you can’t control your bladder quite so well. So what are they and how do you do them?

They’re very simple. It’s easiest to start the exercises lying down or in a sitting position, and then as you get stronger you can do them standing up. Pretend you’re trying to stop the flow of urine. Pull in and squeeze those muscles. Hold the squeeze for 5 to 10 seconds, then rest for 5 to 10 seconds. Don’t hold your breath or tighten your tummy, bottom or thigh muscles at the same time – keep these muscles as relaxed as possible, and keep breathing!

Once you’ve mastered this technique, try for three or four sets of 10 contractions every day. You should feel the impact in the lower pelvic area - but if you’re in any doubt about your technique, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

The really great thing about these exercises is that as well as strengthening your pelvic floor, you can do them anytime, anywhere. When you’re watching tv, sitting at a desk, driving a car – noone will ever notice! And when performed daily, similar to any other form of muscle exercise, you should feel the improvements in a few weeks.

While not all incontinence problems can be improved using pelvic floor exercises, it’s definitely worth considering. However if you are in any doubt about your condition, as always, we recommend you discuss this with a healthcare professional. And if you need help with products for your incontinence, don’t forget we offer a wide range of washable and disposable incontinence pants and pads, bed and seat protection and much more. Call Arelle free on 0800 389 3597

Karate lessons Long Sutton Village Hall

Suitable for everyone over the age of 5. Every Tuesday night. Children 7:00pm - 8:00pm, Adults 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Only £3.50 per hour. Phone Terry or Mark on 01458 250173 or 07749849798.

Come and try Artistic SwimmingAdult & kids sessions

Club sessions held on Fridays from 7:15pm8:45pm at Station Rd pool, Taunton TA1 1NN or Tuesdays from 6:00pm7:00pm at Wellington School pool, Wellington TA21 8NT.

Adult only sessions alternate Saturdays from 5:00pm - 6:00 pm at Station Rd pool, Taunton.

Everyone is welcome to come along and try Artistic Swimming, you just need to be able to swim the main three strokes.

We take swimmers from age 7.

Please contact tauntonsynchro@gmail.com or call Alyson on 07903 557054 to arrange a free trial.

Feeling Weary & Burdened?

Life can be really tough. We all feel overwhelmed sometimes. Having Jesus as a friend and guide makes a real difference, come and meet others who have found peace in the midst of trouble and sadness. Welcome guaranteed.

“Cast all your anxieties on Him (God) for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (The Bible).

“Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (The Bible).

Low Ham Chapel, near Langport, TA10 9DT. Sundays 11:00am & 6:30pm.

www.lowhamchapel.com

Be Strong and Steady with Age UK Somerset

Age UK Somerset wants to help you stay independent as you get older. The ageing process affects our balance, muscles and joints so keeping active is vital.

One way to improve your balance and strength is to join a ‘Strong and Steady’ class.

The fun, friendly sessions are specially designed, following evidence-based exercise programmes proven to help prevent falls.

Classes are held in Somerton, Langport and the surrounding area.

If you feel less steady than you used to, contact Age UK Somerset on 01823 345614 or fallsprevention@ageuksomerset.org.uk

Puzzle Solutions

Are You A Happy Bus User? Volunteers needed to help out

Twice a year the Local Transport Authority allows bus operators to change timetables, this usually is just before Spring and Autumn schools return from their breaks.

We need you to help man stalls handing out paper timetables to those who need them AND also help out at other events promoting bus travel, adopt a bus stop: keep an eye out for cleanliness, shelter damage, graffiti and if correct timetable is shown in the case.

We are a community group totally manned by volunteers no fees or incidental expenses are paid.

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Simply Oven Cleaning

ROOFING SERVICES – New Roofs, Roof Repairs, Under Tile Felting, Ridge Tiles

UPVC ROOFING SERVICES – UPVC Fascias & Soffits, Guttering, Bargeboards, Cladding, Dry Verge Systems

SINGING LESSONS ROOFING

ROOF & UPVC CLEANING SERVICES – Roof Cleaning and Fungicide Treatment, UPVC Cleaning

www.local-homecare.co.uk

Express Yourself: Let yourself shine!

Boost Your Self-Esteem: People will notice!

Feel Happier: Singing is a natural anti-depressant.

Train Your Ears: Appreciate music in new ways.

Sharpen Your Mind: Concentration and memory will improve. Feel Healthier: Your immune system gets a boost too!

“Fantastic responsive service. It’s the 2nd time I have used central roofing and on both occasions they turned up on time got on with the job and kept us informed on what was being carried out. Went above and beyond and assisted me in issues around insurance. I would recommend this company to anyone with roofing issues.”

Cat Lady

We used Central Roofing to take down an old flat roof and install another on our business premises at Knight Brothers Garage. The company was very reliable, they turned up when they said they would, the guys that did the work were very tidy and efficient. The work was completed in the time frame they set…we are more than pleased with the

Anderson

job.